Sunday, November 23, 2014

Here is my card for this week's color challenge over on 'Tis the Season! Lisa didn't name these colors for us, which you'd think would be easier, but I had a hard time figuring out what that third, dark blue was. I know it looks black, but I swear it isn't. I settled on Not Quite Navy, Old Olive, and Tempting Turquoise.

I am sticking with my CAS cards, and I really like the way these stars pop out from the circle of color.

Again, making this card was a challenge for me because I am now recovering from surgery. I had back surgery last week. I was in way too much pain before the surgery to make cards, and now I am no longer in the major pain that was my life pre-surgery, but now I am worn out so easily! I have so missed my studio time and can't wait to get back in there. I have a few weeks recovery time before I return to work.

Why don't you see what you can come up with? Head on over to 'Tis the Season and play along!?!

For all you folks who are in or around my little area of Maryland (Clarksburg), I am hosting an open house, a way for you to get beautiful, unique gifts that people are sure to love, and you'll be helping your local small business, too! This is a win-win, people!

The open house will be on Sunday, November 30th at my home studio in Clarksburg from 2-7 pm. Come when its convenient for you.

(If you know me, you know my address... if you don't know me personally but follow my blog and will be in the area and want to shop, email me and I can hook you up with my address.)

I've got a huge inventory of gifts that are sure to please. I have pictured a few "new" products for the season: these adorable Santa and Elf gift card holders and a variety of seasonal wine tags (one variety shown here).

These are both perfect ways to present your gift.

In addition, I have a LARGE variety of card packs, framed art work, and more paper art!

There's also still enough time for me to customize a special order just for you!

If you like what you see on my blog, come over on Sunday the 30th and put a dent in your holiday shopping! I'd love to help make your holidays even more special!

If you are a cyber shopper and you see something you like, email me! I'd love to help you out!

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Okay people... things are getting real now. Christmas really isn't too far away. I am not concerned at all, and do you know why? I've been creating cards all year long for the awesome challenges over on 'Tis the Season. Why don't you play along?

This time, we have a great sketch challenge. I love it because you can do so, so much with this sketch and your small holiday stamps. Seriously... unlimited possibilities!

I finally inked up this stamp set. I used just the snowman,layered it on a Smoky Slate postage stamp, and a 1 3/8 square of pool party. Next I added a pool party ribbon strip and a gray multi-loop ribbon. I also added the sentiment, one part on the front and the second part inside.

I do love how this turned out. Super simple, which is my thing these days (mostly due to the fact that I am having MAJOR back issues and can't sit or stand for longer than a few minutes, so I've got to make them quickly if I'm going to get them done. I got a steroid shot directly into my herniated disk/pinched nerve today. If you pray, please pray this takes away my pain.)

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

This certainly stumped me in the beginning. First, the colors? So Saffron, Pink Pirouette, and Pool Party. Not your standard Christmas colors...

My second issue is that I can barely stand, can't sit at all, and am most comfortable laying flat on my back. When you've got all that going on, it's hard to be creative, and it certainly is difficult to complete project. I was able to complete this one with only 3 rest breaks.

So why don't you give it a try? See what you come up with. If you need a rest break, go ahead and take one. I won't tell!